The Mike Nosco Memorial Ride is one of the cornerstone rides around the LA area.

Every year hundreds of riders including many of cycling’s luminaries come out to raise money for charity and memorialize Mike’s life who was killed in his truck in Camarillo back in 2004.

 

 

 

Since the event always falls on November 3rd (the date of Mike’s collision), more times than not the ride takes place on a weekday.

Struggling with those scheduling issues, I was finally able to make it out this last Friday to take part for the first time.

 

Opening Ceremony at Dos Vientos Park

 

First time riding to bagpipers.

 

Ready to launch

 

Controlled start out of  Newbury Park

 

The lineup of riders went beyond the limits of eyesight.

 

Jack Nosco leading a moment of silence at the crash site of his brother

 

There was a big crash a couple of miles after the restart

 

 

You get a little more idea about its scope from this angle.

 

And another right after we turned onto PCH

 

Riding along Highway 1 felt like it was just reserved for cyclists.

 

I carpooled with my friend Ryan. He said he didn’t see any of his teammates from CBS Cycling. Here they are!

 

Things got real turning onto Deer Creek

 

 

 

 

Look easy? Former pro Dave Zabriskie makes it look easy climbing on a gravel bike with fat tires (far left).

 

Hard to find anyone not out of their saddle.

 

Great setting as we peaked Deer Creek.

 

..and inspirational cheerleading too.

 

One lane roads. We need more of these.

 

Tons of great views of the Pacific.

 

Legend Rahsaan Bahati ready to take on Mulholland.

 

The Santa Monica Mountains look epic from the start of the Mulholland climb.

 

It takes unimaginable strength to do this climb on a handcycle.

 

How does this not pump you up (notice the guy rocking out to my right)?

 

A lot of care was even put into the pit stop signs.

 

 

 

One final stroll on along the coast before the upness returns.

 

Back at it, we hit our final big climb on Latigo.

 

Even though we weren’t wrecking ourselves out there, this mountain biker impressively stayed close.

 

Making our way back on Mulholland after our final pit stop.

 

 

The rider in front was holding his brakes more than I liked on Westlake, but if this is your first time down, I don’t blame you.

 

 

 

Final paceline trying to catch up to lead group.

 

 

Making it back to the finish line.

 

Next year, the Mike Nosco ride falls on a Saturday, which sources tells me falls on a weekend.

In other words, this big ride will be even bigger.

To find out more information, go to MikeNosco.com or go to the Facebook page where you can find more galleries.